Natalee Tomski graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School in just three years and planned to begin her higher education journey studying Criminology at a four-year school in Manhattan. But when she arrived there for the start of the fall semester, an unfortunate housing situation resulted in her returning home within a week and enrolling at Onondaga Community College.
She chose the Criminal Justice degree program and immediately connected with Professor Pete Patnode. "He became a really big mentor, pushing me to explore my options and what I'm capable of. He's one of those professors who really cares about seeing their students succeed. He truly loves his job."
Tomski became part of the Meg O'Connell Social Justice Scholars program, and her nearly perfect grade point average earned her membership in the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. "I saw all of events they hold, and scholarships members are eligible for, and thought PTK would be really good for me. It gives you a higher status, shows you are a goal-oriented student, you're driven, and you're academically inclined. I've always thought of myself that way."
This May, Tomski will complete her Criminal Justice degree. Her goal is to transfer to the University of Buffalo for their Legal Studies program and become a lawyer. "I've always wanted to be in a job where I'm helping other people. Coming to OCC was a good decision for me. There are a lot of professors here who truly want you to succeed and see you move on and go and do better things."
